Guide to the Classification of Pet Supplies

 

 

As people's living standards continue to rise, more and more families are starting to keep pets. Pet owners willingly spend money on their "furry children", driving the booming pet consumption market, with an endless variety of pet supplies constantly updating. This article will organize the classification of common pet supplies to assist import and export companies in efficiently handling customs clearance.

I. Toys

Classification Basis: According to the Notes to Heading 95.03 of the Explanatory Notes to the Commodities and Headings of the Customs Import and Export Tariff Schedule (hereinafter referred to as the "Explanatory Notes"), this category includes toys mainly meant for human entertainment (children or adults). Toys that are clearly designed, shaped, or made from materials intended exclusively for animals (e.g., pets) are not classified under this heading but under their respective headings.

1. Cat Climbing Frame

Commodity Description: The carpet is wrapped around a wood fiberboard, with paper tubes wrapped in hemp rope, connected by metal parts, forming equipment for pet cats to play and exercise.

Classification Suggestion: This commodity is chiefly made of wood and should be categorized as a wooden product under tariff line 4421.9990. If the material is bamboo, it should be categorized under tariff line 4421.9190.

2. Plush Toys

Commodity Description: Made of textile materials, this product is carrot-shaped and primarily intended for pets to chew on and play with.

Classification Suggestion: This commodity is primarily for pet play, made from textile materials. It is not specifically listed in Chapter 63, so it is advised to classify it under Heading 63.07 as other products of textile materials.

II. Garment

Classification Basis: According to the Explanatory Notes of Heading 42.01, this heading covers various equipment made of leather, reconstituted leather, fur, textile fabric, or other materials suitable for a wide range of animals. These items mainly include saddles and harnesses for riding, draft, and pack animals...

1. Pet Thermal Wear

Commodity Description: This commodity is made of polyester fiber with a four-legged design to fit the physique of dogs and cats, allowing them to move freely.

Classification Suggestion: This commodity is categorized under Heading 42.01 and should be correctly classified under tariff line 4201.0000.

2. Pet Footwear

Commodity Description: Consists of a sole, upper, and laces, intended for pets to wear on their paws.

Classification Suggestion: This commodity is categorized under Heading 42.01 and should be correctly classified under tariff line 4201.0000. Please ensure not to misclassify pet footwear under Chapter 64, which pertains to human footwear. Similarly, avoid misclassifying pet hats under Chapter 65, which applies to hats for human use.

III. Feed Category

Classification Basis: According to the Explanatory Notes for Heading 23.09, this heading encompasses sweet feed and formulated animal feed consisting of a mixture of various nutrients... This heading also covers the following: I. Formulated pet foods like cat and dog food, composed of meat, offal, and other ingredients, packaged in sealed containers... II. Feed biscuits for dogs or other animals, typically crafted from fine flour, starch, or grain products mixed with oilcake or meat meal...

1. Canned Cat Food

Commodity Description: Tailored for feline consumption, this commodity is made from animal-based ingredients including meat, fish, and offal, and is sealed in a metal can.

Classification Suggestion: This commodity is prepared cat food packaged in cans and should be classified under tariff line 2309.1010.

2. Dog Food

Commodity description: Prepared feed composed of a mixture of various types of meat, vegetable powder, and cellulose powder, packed in bags or boxes. The common size varies from 1 kg to 5 kg.

Classification Suggestion: This commodity is prepared dog food in retail packaging and should be classified under tariff line 2309.1090.

IV. Cleaning Products

1. Shampoo for Dogs and Cats

Commodity description: Shampoo for washing the fur of pets such as cats and dogs, developed based on the specific hair and skin characteristics of different pets.

Classification Suggestion: According to the Notes to Heading 33.07 in the Explanatory Notes to the Nomenclature, this heading includes several animal toilet products, such as dog shampoos and bird feather-enhancing detergents. Therefore, this commodity should be classified under tariff line 3307.9000.

2. Cat Litter

Cat litter, used for pet cats to bury feces and urine, has excellent water absorption properties. It should typically be classified based on the primary materials and the production process involved, with common classification suggestions as follows:

Silica gel cat litter, also called crystal cat litter, is made up of blue silica gel particles (silicon dioxide) and white (natural color) silica gel particles with added dyes. It falls under tariff line 3824.9999 as chemical products or compositions unlisted or included elsewhere.

Bentonite cat litter is generally composed of natural and non-activated bentonite. The essential factor in its classification is whether it contains additives. If it is made directly from natural granular bentonite, without additives, it should be classified under tariff line 2508.1000. If it has added deodorants, fragrances, pigments, etc., it should be classified under tariff line 3824.9999 as unlisted chemicals.

Plant cat litter is produced from straw stalks, sorghum stalks, peanut shells, corn, and similar materials. The manufacturing process involves mixing these raw materials, grinding, baking, and extruding them into granules. The plant products should be classified under tariff line 1404.9090 as other unlisted. (Wang Zhe and Liu Tingting)

 

 

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